What’s in a surname?

A lot, as Abhijit Alka Anil found out when a cop humiliated him over his nameWhen Abhijit Alka Anil (25) went to the local police station for the passport verification process, he had no idea his name would invite policemen's ridicule.Abhijit, a resident of Mulund, had gone to the MHADA police station on November 8 with all his documents for verification.After going through his documents, the concerned police officer smirked and asked him why he had 'Alka' as part of his name and why he didn't have a normal name with a surname at the end. Recalled Abhijit, I told him politely that 'Alka' was my mother's name, and I did not wish to include my surname in my name. Fighter: Abhijit Alka Anil had dropped his surname because it depicted his caste.But the way he asked me about my mother's name was insulting. He ridiculed me as if having a surname is a necessity. I told him it was none of his business and I can call myself Draupadi if I want to.Caste AsideFinally, the police officer gave the go ahead to the documents. Said Abhijit, I had changed my name from Abhijit Anil Basarkod to Abhijit Alka Anil in July.u00a0I do not believe in the caste system. Our surnames depict our caste, so I dropped it. I changed my name officially, when I had to apply for a passport.Abhijit has written a letter of complaint to the concerned police station and to DCP R Watkar under whose jurisdiction the police station falls.u00a0He has also filed an RTI application, asking for details on the action taken following his complaint, but there has been no response as yet.Name GameTo change your name, you need to fill a form and submit it with a fee of Rs 120 at the State Gazette's office.u00a0You can get a new name in two months. You also need to make the announcement about your name change in a local newspaper.